Metropolitan State University of Denver Athletics

Metropolitan State competes in NCAA Division II, where athletics blend competitive play with academic focus more than the big-money Division I programs. The Roadrunners field 12 varsity sports with 263 total athletes, meaning just 1.8% of the 14,932 students compete at the varsity level. The school competes in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference against regional rivals like Colorado State University Pueblo and Colorado Mesa University. Athletic scholarships total $2.5 million across all sports programs. As a relatively young institution founded in 1965, Metro State hasn't developed the deep sports traditions of older universities. The urban Denver campus attracts students more focused on academics and career preparation than campus sports culture. Division II allows the school to offer competitive athletics without the massive financial commitments required at higher levels.